Filming in the District

We welcome film-makers to St Albans City and District. We have a wide range of historic buildings and beautiful countryside offering a variety of different locations. Recent filming activity in the District includes BBC's Silent Witness (see left) and ITV's Breathless as well as an advertisement for the National Lottery.

St Albans City and District Council is a member of Creative England's Film Friendly Partnership network and is committed to assisting film and television production in the District.

If you wish to make arrangements to film in the District, please contact us for information and advice by emailing john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk or amanda.wilkinson@stalbans.gov.uk or calling 01727 296130 or 01727 819317. Once you have finalised your plans, please provide us with a confirmation email setting out details of where, when and what you plan to film; contact details (including a mobile contact number for the day of filming); and any parking requirements.

Please give as much notice as possible for your filming application, and in any case, at least seven working days.

The extent of our involvement will depend on where you want to film. Please note if you wish to film on Council-owned property, a location charge may apply as well as an administration fee for providing a licence. If you require parking dispensations, then there may be additional charges.

Where the filming is likely to have an impact on local shops or residents, then we advise that advance notice is given to those potentially affected via a letter containing details of your plans and contact information.

Highways

If you wish to film on the public roads or on pavements in Hertfordshire, you must request permission from the highways department at Hertfordshire County Council. They can also advise you if there are roadworks planned in the vicinity where the filming is likely to take place. They can be contacted by emailing filming@hertfordshire.gov.ukor calling 0300 1234 047.

Police

In some situations, the police will need to be informed about the filming. For example, if the filming involves mock weapons or actors impersonating an officer, you will need to notify the police by calling the Force Communications Room on 101 or emailing FCREnquiries@herts.pnn.police.uk.

Locations in St Albans District

There is vibrant market every Wednesday and Saturday in St Albans city centre, and a farmers' market on the second Sunday of every month. This may be of interest if you need a market location. Please be aware that the market may also affect parking availability, the number of people around St Peter’s Street and the views of the shops etc.

If you are looking for a location, local crew, facilities or studio space then Creative England may be able to help. It is a national agency providing a free support service for productions shooting outside of London. You can search Creative England databases at: www.creativeengland.co.uk/production. Enquiries can also be directed to Hayley Armstrong, your local Production Liaison manager at Creative England on 020 8324 2312 or at hayley.armstrong@creativeengland.co.uk.

Residents

Your property could be just what filmmakers are looking for, be it a cottage or a castle, a suburban semi or stately home. If your property is based in England, outside of London, find out more and register on Creative England’s free database.

Local businesses

Creative England’s database also includes local crew and facilities. Registration is free, so whether you are an experienced professional or new entrant, an established business or start-up company, register on the database so productions filming in the region can find you.

Film-making heritage

St Albans District was home to Stanley Kubrick who is probably the region’s most distinguished film maker. Based near St Albans for much of his working life, Kubrick made 12 feature films which earned him a reputation as one of the leading film directors of his generation. Follow this link for more information: The Kubrick family shares treasures for the first time - April 2010